Kylee's Senior Session | Downtown Social Circle, Ga.

A few weeks ago, Kylee and I met in downtown Social Circle to take her senior photographs. She showed up in this gorgeous iridescent dress! It was so perfect for her! We walked all over town finding all the fun little nooks! I asked her momma, Wendy, if she would like to write something up for her to share here on the blog. . .

Dear Kylee,

From the time you were born, we’ve joked that you and your sister are 10 years apart because God has a sense of humor, but in truth, we have loved having two nearly “only children”.

From the beginning, you were a happy, creative, and out-going child. We have enjoyed watching you grow into the confident young lady you are today. Not influenced by peer-pressure, name-brands, or popularity, you love the way Jesus loved. You are independent and responsible. We’ve been amazed by your decisions to try new things such as drama and flag corps, and we’ve been impressed by the work you put in to become successful at them.

As you continue to write your story at SCAD, your love of period clothing, sewing, musicals, drama, and costuming will take you far, maybe all the way to the stars. We want you know that we will be proud of you no matter where you land, because of who you are, not what you do!

Love, Mom and Dad

Social Circle, Ga Senior Session | Jacob Bergman

It always seems to creep up on me. . .TIME! I’ve been contacted by so many families this fall, asking me if I would photograph their senior and I’m just in shock at how quickly our time together has past by. When it comes to work, personal life, school events, it makes me realize how important it is to be super intentional with what I say yes to.

And, here we are with Jacob! I’ve known him since he was little and now he’s not! I blinked and he’s on his way to becoming an adult! Just. Like. THAT!

I’ve known Deanna for about 15 years now and even got to photograph her marrying the love of her life!! I’ve seen the challenges that this family has gone through to get to where they are now. They never give up on one another and they put God first! Jacob is surrounded by the most God loving people and it shows. He is becoming a wonderful man.

Deanna and Ben, you guys rock!!! I love you guys and I’m so very proud of the man you are raising Jacob to be!

Congratulations Jacob, you’re here! It’s your senior year. I am praying that you will rely on God to guide you through the next chapters of your life as you become more and more Independent of your parents and that you will become even more reliant of your Father!

Rebekah's Senior Session | Kennesaw State University Graduate

When I met Rebekah, about a year and a half ago, it was during a very exciting time in her family’s life. Her sister, Makayla, was getting married! While I was photographing Makayla and Tyler’s wedding I met Rebekah! Her and I connected on Instagram and Facebook and have kept in touch over the months. I noticed Rebekah started posting videos she was creating for her college’s sports program. They were incredible! I reached out to Rebekah and asked if she would be interested in helping me out on a project of my own. I REALLY needed an updated promo video. We discussed my ideas and she shared some of her’s too! Last Friday we finished up my video and planned to photograph her senior session as well!!

It was a very busy day BUT y’all! how gorgeous is her session!?!?! I’m so thrilled! The light was perfect and the location. . .I’m a little partial because it’s our farm but I just love it!! Rebekah has a smile that will light up a room and I was able to capture it so beautifully! Rebekah just finished up her very last class at Kennesaw State University this week and is ready for graduation! She has several job offers and with her talent and kindness I have no doubt she will be successful in the next phase of her life!!!

Congratulations Rebekah!!! 

Madison Forrester | Senior Session at Costly Mill Park

I was so excited to get to photograph Madison Forrester's senior session and even more excited to get to know her better. Her testimony is so inspiring and her outlook on life after all that she has been through is even more amazing. Madison is a high school senior at Social Circle High School and also attending college classes at Georgia State University. During her senior session with me, her mom and dad were both there. I could just see how proud they are of her! Please enjoy her story below as Madison explains some of the trials her and her beautiful heart have been through over past 17 years. :) "My dad was in the Air Force when I was born and we were stationed at Seymour Johnson AFB in North Carolina. I was born with a heart problem that was so complex, they advised me to go to a surgeon at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), because he was the best and could do all 5 necessary repairs at one time. I was flown by jet while my parents drove 9 hours to get to me. I had my first surgery at 5 days old. Dr. Spray was able to repair my heart and I recovered like a champ.

My dad got out of the Air Force after my surgery so we could move back home to Georgia to be with our family. I had to have another open heart surgery when I was 2 1/2 months old at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. That surgery was also a success and I bounced back in no time. I had to have another surgery when I was 4 1/2 years old. This surgery required me to have a mechanical valve put in my heart. Having this mechanical valve in my heart requires me to take a blood thinner called Coumadin. This keeps my blood from clotting around that valve. Coumadin is very hard to regulate and it's a constant battle to make sure my blood is not too thick or thin. I always have to be very careful, but I haven't let it slow me down. I have to watch what I eat because foods rich in Vitamin K will affect my Coumadin.

I just can't do a lot of things most kids get to do because of possibly having a blow to the chest or risking bleeding out if my blood were to be too thin. I can't play contact sports like softball or soccer, but I found other things to do. I did ballet and tap dancing. I took guitar lessons and I played some tennis for fun. I also cheered for many years. Along the way I found my true passion...cooking! I have been cooking since I was 4 years old.

The doctors told my parents when I was born that I could have a learning disability, but I have always made straight A's with and occasional B and I take advanced classes. I am in my senior year of high school and will be taking all college classes. Sometimes it's scary when my blood gets too thick or thin because I have to be extra careful, but that's ok because I am special. When it's quiet, I can hear my heart valve clicking away. It's a really good sound! I have the best parents and family in the world that love me unconditionally. I have a wonderful boyfriend of almost 2 years that loves me for who I am and is my best friend. The one thing that keeps me going the most, is my love for Jesus and knowing he always has me cradled in his hands. I have never been ashamed of my scars. I wear them proudly because I have earned them!"

Y'all, I was in tears after reading her story. Isn't she just incredible! Two cheers to you Madison!!! I hope you have the most incredible last year of high school/first year of college!

Marissa Wheeler's Eastside High School Senior Session

I met Marissa Wheeler during a photoshoot at our business, AllStar AirSoft, in Covington for the Eastside High School cheerleading squad. They were selling ads for their calendar and we purchased an advertisement for our airsoft field. The calendar is a fabulous fundraiser for the cheerleading squad and I was SO excited to get to do this shoot! It was so much fun and the ladies looked great! Marissa contacted me a few months after the calendar shoot, asking me to photograph her senior session. What an honor it was to get to hang out with her and document her final year of high school! She told me her plans to attend college and become a nurse.

Good luck this last year doll! Praying you get into the college of your choice!